From Malta to the Adriatic coast

From 5/20/2022 From Valletta Ship: LE LYRIAL to 5/27/2022 to Venice

In partnership with Cuisine et Vins de magazine.

Set sail to discover the cultural and artistic jewels ofIonian the and Adriatic Seas with PONANT. During this 8-day cruise, Le Lyrial will take you to , Montenegro, and .

Your ship will leave Valletta, the capital of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta and set sail towards Sicily. In Taormina, the streets will lead you to the impressive ancient theatre, where the quality of the acoustics is exceptional. And as a constant backdrop: the majestic Mount Etna!

Then, Le Lyrial will call at Otranto, a town located in the magnificent Puglia region and will reach Montenegro and the city of Kotor. Nestled in a bay surrounded by wooded mountains, its old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its medieval architecture.

You will then head to the aptly named “Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounded by medieval ramparts, its terracotta-tiled roofs, its palaces, cloisters and fountains are bound to impress you and will plunge you into the heart of Croatian history.

Following a port of call in the picturesque port of Hvar, you will continue to sail along the Dalmatian coastlines Dubrovnik to . Sitting high on a rocky outcrop, its old town, UNESCO a World Heritage Site, watches the world go by.

You will sail along the coast before finishing your exploration of the Croatian coastlines with visits of Hvar and Rovinj.

As a grand finale, your voyage will draw an end in Venice the Serenissima and its lagoon. Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal and the palaces along the canals will be your last stops on an unforgettable cruise. The information in this document is valid as of 9/24/2021 From Malta to the Adriatic coast YOUR STOPOVERS :

VALLETTA Embarkation 5/20/2022 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Departure 5/20/2022 at 6:00 PM

The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.

TAORMINA, SICILY Arrival 5/21/2022 early morning Departure 5/21/2022 midday

Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the . Another vestige from its past are the ruins of theGreco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.

OTRANTO Arrival 5/22/2022 early morning Departure 5/22/2022 early afternoon

Located in the Apulia region,Otrante is the easternmost transalpine town. Behind its medieval ramparts, you will taste the sweetlife of Salento, the “heel on Italy’s boot”. Inhabited since Antiquity, Otrante has today become a very pleasant seaside town. Yet its history is still visible as you meander through the little streets of its old centre. With its magnificent 12th century ornamental tiling, the Cathedral is one of its most beautiful treasures. During a stroll along the ramparts, you can sit and relax at a café .

KOTOR Arrival 5/23/2022 early morning Departure 5/23/2022 early afternoon

Situated in one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays,the medieval city of Kotor is a small town full of charm, truly imbued with the traditions and stories of another time. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has preserved many historical monuments from this epoch. During your stop, be sure to admire the impressive that dominates the town, and let yourself fall under the charm of its maze of small streets and intimate squares on which folk festivals featuring magnificent colourful costumes are often organised.

DUBROVNIK Arrival 5/23/2022 evening Departure 5/24/2022 evening

Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now alisted UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as youwalk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer ? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.

HVAR Arrival 5/25/2022 early morning Departure 5/25/2022 late afternoon

Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you by its traditions that have not changed since Antiquity. The country’s oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the north-west coast, surrounded by dry stone structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks. From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers.

ROVINJ Arrival 5/26/2022 midday Departure 5/26/2022 late afternoon

Rovinj is located in Istria, a region bordering . This becomes apparent as you walk through its old cobblestoned town. There are many monuments of Venetian influence here. If you study the Balbi , you will see the winged lion, symbol of Venice. The bell-tower erected beside Saint Euphemia Cathedral was designed like the bell of Saint Mark in Venice. From the top of the tower, you can scan the entire historical district. To absorb its quaint atmosphere, take a walk in the ochre and sepia-coloured streets leading to bustling squares and terraces shaded by canvas awnings.

VENICE Arrival 5/27/2022 early morning Disembarkation 5/27/2022 at 7:30 AM Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica , Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.